Non-corrosive sterilant composition

ABSTRACT

A non-corrosive, liquid, aqueous sterilant composition (as a concentrate or ready-to-use solution), which may be provided in two parts which are mixed prior to application, may comprise a peracid (in an equilibrium solution with an underlying carboxylic acid or mixtures of alkyl carboxylic acids and peroxide), inorganic buffering agent, and water. It has been found that the use of this simplified system, even in the absence of additional components which have been thought to be desirable for sterilants used on metal parts (e.g., copper and brass corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, anti-corrosive agents) display excellent performance and that these additional components are not necessary, and that the presence of these additional materials at least complicates disposal of the spent solutions and could complicate compatibility of the sterilant solutions with some polymeric materials, especially where organic materials are used as the additional components, which organic materials may interact with, dissolve or solubilize in the polymeric materials.

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions which can be used to safely and effectively disinfect surfaces and articles against microbiological forms. The compositions are easily handled, tend to be non-corrosive to the types of polymeric, elastomeric and metal surfaces found in medical instruments, are relatively shelf-stable, and may be prepared quickly and easily by simply blending component solutions.

[0002] The importance of the sterilization of medical instruments and implants has been understood for more than two centuries. The need for sterilization has become even more important recently with the appearance of strains of microbiological forms which are resistant to conventional microbiocides such as antibiotics. It has become very important to sterilize medical devices to kill or remove the more resistant strains of microbiological forms before they infect a patient. Additionally, the sterilants must be generally effective against microorganisms covering a wide range of classes and species, with U.S. Government standards requiring efficacy against both bacteria and spores.

[0003] Sterilization of medical devices has been performed for many years by immersing the medical devices in an atmosphere which is antagonistic to the survival of the microbiological forms. Among the environments which have been used to attempt to sterilize medical instruments include, but is not limited to, steam, alcohols, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, gluteraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and peracids. Each of these materials has its benefits and limitations. Ethylene oxide tends to be very effective against a wide range of microorganisms, but it is highly flammable and is generally used in a gas phase which may require more stringent environmental restraints than would a liquid. Alcohols are similarly flammable and must be used in very high concentrations. Steam has a more limited utility, having to be used in a controlled and enclosed environment, requiring the use of large amounts of energy to vaporize the water, and requiring prolonged exposure periods to assure extended high temperature contact of the steam with the organisms. Hydrogen peroxide has limited applicability because it is unstable and not as strong as some other sterilants. The peracids have become more favorably looked upon, but they tend to be corrosive (being an oxidizing acid) and are not shelf stable.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,046 describes a stable, anticorrosive peracetic acid/peroxide sterilant comprising a concentrate including peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide (in a ratio of 1:1 to 11:1 total acid/hydroxide), and 0.001 to 200 parts per million of stabilizers such as phosphonic acids and sodium pyrophosphates. The concentrates are diluted about 20 to 40 times so that the maximum concentration of stabilizer in the use solution would be about 10 parts per million. The stabilizers are described as acting as chelating agents by removing trace metals which accelerate the decomposition of the peroxides.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,616 describes a room temperature sterilant particularly useful with hard tap water comprising an ester of formic acid, an oxidizer (such as hydrogen peroxide or urea hydrogen peroxide), performic acid and water. The use of corrosion inhibitors (such as benzotriazoles, azimidobenzene, and benzene amide) and stabilizers (unnamed) is also generally suggested.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,008 describes a method of removing microbial contamination and a solution for use with that method. The solution comprises a combination of five ingredients in water: 1) a strong oxidant (including, for example, organic peroxides, peracids, an chloride releasing compounds, with peracetic acid in a concentration of 0.005 to 1.0% being preferred), 2) a copper and brass corrosion inhibitor (e.g., triazoles, azoles and benzoates), 3) a buffering agent (including, for example, phosphate), 4) at least one anti-corrosive agent which inhibits corrosion in at least aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel selected from the group consisting of chromates and dichromates, borates, phosphates, molybdates, vanadates and tungstates, and 5) a wetting agent. A sequestering agent may be used to prevent the phosphates from causing precipitation in hard water.

[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,706 and 4,731,22 describe automated liquid sterilization systems having a plurality of modules which store the sterilant solution and the rinse solution. U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,623 describes a sterilant concentrate injection system which is a spill resistant, vented ampule system for use with sterilization systems.

[0008] Medical devices now include many polymeric components for reasons of material costs and ease of manufacture. Many of the systems and solutions designed for the sterilization of metal medical devices are not necessarily suitable for use with polymeric components, and may cause corrosion of the polymeric materials. It is therefore necessary to formulate sterilization compositions which are compatible with both metal and polymeric components of the medical devices. It is also always desirable to provide sterilization systems with fewer components in the composition, where the sterilization solutions do not significantly sacrifice microbiocidal activity and do not corrode the materials used in medical devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A non-corrosive, liquid, aqueous sterilant composition (as a concentrate or ready-to-use solution), which may be provided in two parts which are mixed prior to application, may comprise a peracid (in an equilibrium solution with an underlying carboxylic acid or mixtures of alkyl carboxylic acids and peroxide), inorganic buffering agent, and water. It has been found that the use of this simplified system provides excellent sterilization ability, even in the absence of additional components which have been thought to be desirable for sterilants used on metal parts (e.g., copper and brass corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, anti-corrosive agents) which have been found to not be necessary. The presence of these additional materials at least complicates disposal of the spent solutions and could complicate compatibility of the sterilant solutions with some polymeric materials, especially where organic materials are used as the additional components, which organic materials may interact with, dissolve or solubilize in the polymeric materials.

[0010] The concentration of the components has shown itself to be important in providing non-corrosive effects towards a wide variety of structural materials in medical devices and yet providing effective sterilization effects against spores and bacteria, including tuberculosis bacteria in an acceptable amount of time.

[0011] An aqueous sterilant use solution according to the present invention may comprise a solution having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid and 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent, preferably without any organic anticorrosive agents. The aqueous sterilant solution may, for example, comprise from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid, 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst for peroxygenation of a carboxylic acid by hydrogen peroxide.

[0012] The aqueous sterilant solution may consist essentially of a solution having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid, 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst for peroxygenation of a carboxylic acid by hydrogen peroxide.

[0013] The method may particularly comprise mixing a first and a second solution to form a sterilizing solution comprising a peroxy acid, said first solution comprising a carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and water, and said second solution comprising a buffering agent for pH between about 5 and 7, said sterilizing solution comprising at least 100 parts per million of peroxy acid at a pH of 5 to 7, immersing said article in said sterilizing solution for at least 5 minutes to sterilize said article, said first solution and second solution being free of organic anti-corrosion agents for brass and/or copper, and said article comprising a medical article having parts made of at least two materials selected from the group consisting of metals, polymers and rubbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The aqueous sterilant compositions of the present invention comprise a peracid, water-soluble peroxide source, and carboxylic acid in a buffered solution at pH levels between about 5.0 and 7.0. The use of an inorganic buffering agent also enables the use of slightly water-soluble, higher molecular weight carboxylic acids in the formation of peroxy acids with the peroxide source thereby reducing the amount of deposits from fatty acid residue in the solution. Phosphate buffers are effective dispersants and suspending agents for these fatty acid residues.

[0015] The peroxy acid useful in the practice of the present invention may comprise any organic peroxy acid. These acids are well known in the art to be formed from any carboxylic acid containing compound. Normally they are prepared from carboxylic acids of the formula:

CH₃—(CH₂)n-COOH

[0016] wherein n is 0 to 18, preferably 0 to 12 and more preferably 0 to 10, with the corresponding peroxy acid having the formula:

CH₃—(CH₂)n-CO₃H

[0017] wherein n is as defined above. The alkyl moiety on the acid, CH₃—(CH₂)n- may be replaced with hydrogen or any, preferably low molecular weight, organic group so that the acid and the resulting peroxy acid may be represented by: R—CO₂H and R—CO₃H, respectively. The molecular weight of R could be 1, but preferably should be between 15 and 155.

[0018] Carboxylic acids which are generally useful in the invenetion are those which comprise percarboxylic acids. Percarboxylic acids generally have the formula R(Co₃H_(n)), where R is an alkyl, arylaklyl, cycloalkyl, aromatic or heterocyclic group, and N is 1, 2, or 3 and named by prefixing the parent acid with peroxy.

[0019] The peracid normally exists in an equilibrium state with the original or fundamental acid and the peroxide source, usually hydrogen peroxide. Typical peracids include peracids of C₁ to C₁₂ carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, and the like. The term carboxylic acids as used in the practice of the present invention, unless otherwise limited, also includes mono- and di-hydroxycarboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. An example of di-hydroxycarboxylic acid or di-hydroxy is tartaric acid, and also fumaric acid, which is an unsaturated di-hydroxycarboxylic acid. Diacids such as alpha-omega-dicarboxylicpropanoic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, and the like may also be used to form di-peracids. Peroxycarboxylic acids may also be present and included within the solutions of the present invention. Mixtures and combinations of the peracids may also be used in the systems of the invention, as well as other addenda as generally described herein.

[0020] The peroxide source is preferably an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, but may also include such alternative peroxide sources as solutions of sodium peroxide, calcium peroxide, alkali salts of percarbonate and persulfate, and even organic peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide, dialkyl peroxides, urea peroxide, and the like, forming the basis of the solution of the hydrogen peroxide. The inorganic peroxides are preferred as the source of the solution of the hydrogen peroxide. The ratio of the peroxy acid to the hydrogen peroxide can also significantly influence the efficacy of the solutions of the invention, with higher ratios of the peroxy acid to the hydrogen peroxide preferred. For example, its is more desirable to have a ratio of at least 2:1 or 3:1 (peroxy acid to hydrogen peroxide), and more desirable to have higher ratios of at least 4:1, at least 5:1 or at least 8:1 or more (peroxy acid to hydrogen peroxide).

[0021] The buffering agent is a compound, again preferably an inorganic compound which will maintain a buffered pH level in the solution of the composition between 5.0 and 7.0. Buffering agents include, but are not limited to phosphates, borates, lactates, acetates, citrates, vanadates, tungstates, and combinations thereof, particularly alkali metal or alkaline metal salts of these agents. The use of phosphates exclusively or at least primarily (e.g., at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, or at least 90 or 95% by weight of the buffering agents) is particularly useful. Trisodium phosphate has been found to be particularly desirable because of its ability to maintain the acid residues of the peroxy acids in solution where they will not form film in the solution which can be picked up by any sterilization apparatus or medical device which is being sterilized. It is interesting to note that phosphates have been generally taught to be avoided in sterilization solutions where hard water may be contacted because of the potential for calcium precipitation, yet in the present invention, the presence of phosphates reduces the formation of organic residue film on the surface of the solution. The buffering agent alone, even when a phosphate or especially when a phosphate and particularly trisodium phosphate, has been found to reduce corrosion by the solution on all surfaces. The use of phosphate(s) alone, in the absence of copper and brass corrosion inhibitors has been found to be an effective sterilant, and provide non-corrosive activity against a wide range of structural materials, including, but not limited to rubbers, plastics and metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, polypropylene, teflon, acrylonitriletstyrenetbutadiene, polyolefins, vinyl resins (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylbutyral), silicone resins and rubbers, and polyurethanes, and provide second tier protection for brass and copper. Although the peracids work more efficiently in their microbiocidal activity at highly acidic pH levels (below 4.0), those acidic levels are much more corrosive. The use of a buffering system which maintains the pH above 5.0 and preferably between about 5.0 and 7.0 still provides a microbiocidal activity at levels which meet all international standards, using anywhere from 150 to 10,000 parts per million peracid.

[0022] The sterilant can be used as a manual system or be used in an automated system. The sterilant can be provided as a one-part or preferably two part concentrate, with the peracid in one solution and the buffer in the second solution. For example, in a two-part system, a peracid concentrate may be formed having 0.01% to 1% by weight peracid (e.g., peracetic acid), 0.003% to 1% by weight ppm hydrogen peroxide, 0.01% to 1% by weight acid (e.g., acetic acid), and the buffer solution may comprise, for example, from 0.5 to 75,000 ppm buffering agent (e.g., anhydrous trisodium phosphate) in water. Mixtures of these types of addenda, including the buffering agents and peracids, are clearly useful in the practice of the present invention. It is preferred that the concentrates have active ingredient contents at the higher levels of these ranges such as 0.1% to 15% by weight peracid, 5% to 80% by weight peroxide, 5% to 80% by weight acid and 0.1% to 15% by weight buffering agents. The diluted to use solution would preferably contain sufficient actives to provide 0.01% to 1.0% by weight peracid at a pH between about 5.0 and 7.0. The use solution need not contain any effective amount of many of the additives which prior art systems have required for non-corrosive effects (such as the organic anti-corrosive agents such as the triazines, benzotriazoles, azoles and benzoates), and yet provide a wider disclosed range of non-corrosivity against the many available surfaces of medical devices. The use solutions of the present invention may comprise a simplest solution comprising peracid (along with the acid and peroxide in equilibrium), buffering agent in an amount to provide a pH of from about 5.0 to 7.0, and water (preferably deionized water). This solution may be modified by the addition of individual agents such as chelating agents, surfactants (also referred to in the literature for sterilant compositions as wetting agents), and anti-corrosion agents. A typical concentrate solution which may be diluted to a use solution might comprise, 0.1% to 15% by weight peracid, 0.1% to 15% by weight buffering agent[, with the remainder as water and other addenda as generally described herein (e.g., from 99.6 to 78% by weight water). These and other aspects of the invention will be further described by reference to the following, non-limiting examples.

[0023] These data show that a preferred range for the concentration of peroxide in the solution (particularly as evidenced by hydrogen peroxide) less than 150 ppm, preferably less than 100 up to 80,000 ppm, still more preferably less than 100, less than 75 and less than 50 ppm. In the examples, POAA represents peroxyacetic acid, AA represents acetic acid, POOA represents peroxyoctanoic acid, and Oct. Acid represents octanoic acid. Dequest™ are commercially available materials which may be used in the solutions of the present invention. Dequest™ 2000 comprises aminotri(methylene-phosphonic acid), Dequest™ 2010 comprises 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and Dequest™ 2006 comprises aminotri(methylene-phosphonic acid) pentasodium salt. Dequest acts as a chelator for heavy metals. The data also shows that sporicidal activity of compositions with higher molecular weight peracids increase with higher proportions of the peracid as compared to the acid.

[0024] The presence of a catalyst for the formation of the peracid in the sterilization compositions of the present invention also is a novel aspect of the present invention which could act to maintain the level of peracid in the solution during use.

CORROSION EXAMPLE I

[0025] Experimental

[0026] In the following comparison example, a formulation according to the present invention comprising 2.69 weight percent of a 13% solution of peracetic acid made by combining 78% glacial acetic acid, 21% hydrogen peroxide (35% by weight in water), and 1% hydroxyethylenediamine phosphonate was compared to a commercial sterilization formulation (CSF) comprising a mixture of sodium perborate and tetraacetyl ethylenediamine with a buffer to provide a use solution of pH 8, with its necessary sterilization activator. The CSF composition (referred to as Powder PAA) comprises a powder source of peracetic acid (with a solid peroxide source) without a buffering agent, and was compared to a liquid solution of peracetic acid (PAA) made according to the present invention (referred to as Liquid PAA) by admixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide solution with 1% by weight of hydroxyethylenediamine phosphonate catalyst to form the solution of peracetic acid (with the equilibrium amounts of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) at a pH of 6.0 provided by 3.0% by weight trisodium phosphate. This commercial CSF product requires mixing of a dry powder, with a delay required for the activator TAED (tetra acetyl ethylene diamine) by reaction with sodium perborate to generate peracetic acid and microbiocidal activity in the components.

[0027] Test Parameters:

[0028] The test was performed on pieces of an Olympus flexible endoscopes using a washer/disinfector to reduce manual variables. The test parameters were room temperature conditions, with the following immersion times: Sample Cycles Immersion Time Liquid PAA 1 10 minutes Powder PAA 1 15 minutes Sample Application Time Liquid PAA 24 hours Powder PAA  8 hours

[0029] The test was performed by completely immersing separate test pieces S1 to S7 and W1 to W28 in each of the solutions. Test Pieces Item Parts S1-S7 Parts of endoscope S8 and S9 Insertion tube S10 Light guide tube W1-W28 Parats of washer/disinfector Sample Surface No. Material (base) Control Place of the Parts S1 A5056BD-H32 Resin black connector to LS painting S2 Polysulfone black main body painting S3 SUS304 Resin El. black outside (hidden) coating S4 Silicone Rubber — outside S5 Polybutadiene PB-60 — outside S6 Mod. PPO black main body Polyphenyleneoxide painting S7 A5056BD-H32 Resin black eyepiece alumite S Polyurethane primary insertion tube coat Z S Polyurethane primary insertion tube coat V S Polyurethane light guide cable W1 Stainless Steel inner pipe system W2 Stainless Steel inner pipe system W3 epoxy resin+coating heating panel W4 Polyethylene basin W5 Polypropylene basin W6 Polyacetate connector W7 Polysulfone part of top cover W8 Silicone Rubber sealing W9 Polyvinyl chloride inner pipe system W10 Polyvinyl chloride (hard) inner pipe system W11 Acrylic polymer parts in the basin W12 Ethylene/propylene inner pipe system W13 Ethylene/propylene rubber inner pipe system W14 Acrylate modified top cover PolyVinylChloride W15 Butyl-nitrile rubber + parts in the basin Phenol W16 Teflon name plate in basin W17 Butyl-nitrile rubber sealing W18 Polyurethane ? W19 Acrylonitrile/butadiene/ top cover styrene W20 modified PPO top cover W21 Butyl rubber sealing W22 fluorinated rubber sealing W23 alumina ceramic parts of pump system W24 Teflon parts of pump system W24 Teflon rubber parts of pump system

CONCLUSION

[0030] The samples were carefully inspected to evaluate the cosmetic effects (corrosion effects) on the various pieces. The first examination (Item 1) was for parts of the endoscope. The second examination (Item 2) was for the insertion tube. The third examination (Item 3) was for the light guide tube. The fourth examination (Item 4) was for the washer/disinfector. The samples performed substantially identically, with both solutions showing only a slight cosmetic change in painted black surface of the endoscope (S3 surface). No functional or cosmetic changes were noted on any other sample. The simplicity of use for the Liquid PAA system was very noteworthy, with no delay in mixing or reaction time. The solutions could be directly added into an automated system while the CSF Powder PAA system would have required premixing and activation time before it could have been used in an automatic system.

CORROSION EXAMPLE II

[0031] Experimental A corrosion study was performed to evaluate peracid containing formulas with and without buffer addition upon selected metals, plastics and rubbers.

[0032] Testing was conducted with two peracid formuations of 500 ppm (parts per million) peracetic acid (A) and 5000 ppm peracetic acid (B) concentration without buffer; and, two identical formulas (C and D respectively) with exception of buffer addition admixture.

[0033] Coupons were completely immersed in 200 mls of defined test solution contained in covered 8 ounce glass jars maintained at 50° C. within an environmental chamber. Solutions were changed daily. Study was conducted over a 14 day time period. For each test material, a control was also run which is a coupon of stated material placed within a covered 8 ounce glass jar having no test solution.

[0034] Coupons were pretreated before the corrosion study began, and postreated before final comparitive measurements and visual observations were performed. Metal coupons were precleaned according to ASTM Vol. 3.02, G31-72 and 3.02, G1-90 protocol and post-treated accordingly prior to final measurement. Test conditions were modified from the ASTM protocol as explained in above paragraph. Plastic and rubber coupons were only rinsed with deionized water and air dried prior to corrosion study; and, similarly treated prior to final measurement and visual observation.

CONCLUSION

[0035] Addition of buffer admixture to peracetic acid composition test solutions significantly improves metals protection. The effect is less noticeable on test plastics; but, protection is provided selected test rubbers. PART IA: FORMULA - PERACID COMPONENT HIGH POAA - LOW H202 PERACID FORMULA KX-6091 GM/ ITEM RAW MATERIAL WT. % 10000 10 Acetic Acid  78.00  7800.00 20 Hydrogen Peroxide 35%  21.00  2100.00 30 Dequest ™ 2010 (60%)  1.00  100.00 Total 100.00 10000.00

[0036] PART IB: FORMULA - ADMIXTURE OF IA AND BUFFER COMPONENT FORMULAS A, B, C, D CORROSION STUDY USE DILUTIONS (A) (B) (C) (D) GM/ GM/ GM/ GM/ ITEM Material WT. % 4500 WT. % 4500 WT. % 4500 WT. % 4500 10 Deionized 99.10556 4459.75 90.66311 4079.84 99.55756 4480.09 95.57511 4300.88 Water 20 Trisodium 0.45200 20.41 4.91200 221.04 Phosphate Anhyd. Gran. 30 KX-6091 0.44244 19.91 4.42489 199.12 0.44244 19.91 4.42489 199.12 (11.3% POAA) Total 100.00000 4500.07 100.00000 4500.00 100.00000 4500.00 100.00000 4500.00 THEORETICAL ppm pH ppm pH ppm pH ppm pH VALUES POAA 500 6.00 5000 6.00 500 3.00 5000 2.50

[0037] PART II: CORROSION - METALS 14 day Compatibility Test of 15 different materials tested against four different Test Solutions at 50° C. with the test solutions are changed daily. Material Initial Wt. Final Wt. Test item Test Solution METALS (gms) (gms) TWL CWL AWL mpy  1 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 316 SS 23.5792 23.5791 0.0001 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000  5 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 316 SS 23.5194 23.5193 0.0001 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000  9 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 316 SS 23.5764 23.5762 0.0002 0.0001 0.0001 0.0031 13 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 316 SS 23.5690 23.5689 0.0001 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 17 CONTROL 316 SS 23.5846 23.5845 0.0001 0.0001  2 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 304 SS 17.9651 17.9650 0.0001 0.0000 0.0001 0.0031  6 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 304 SS 17.9326 17.9323 0.0003 0.0000 0.0030 0.0938 10 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 304 SS 17.9795 17.9793 0.0002 0.0000 0.0002 0.0063 14 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 304 SS 17.9993 17.9992 0.0001 0.0000 0.0001 0.0031 18 CONTROL 304 SS 18.1102 18.1102 0.0000 0.0000  3 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 7075 12.8716 12.8685 0.0031 0.0002 0.0029 0.2412 Aluminum  7 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 7075 12.7575 12.7336 0.0239 0.0002 0.0237 1.9712 Aluminum 11 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 7075 12.8651 12.8392 0.0259 0.0002 0.0257 2.1376 Aluminum 15 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 7075 12.8718 12.7439 0.1279 0.0002 0.1277 10.6213 Aluminum 19 CONTROL 7075 12.4899 12.4897 0.0002 0.0002 Aluminum  4 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 260 Brass 26.4108 26.3763 0.0345 0.0004 0.0341 0.9779  8 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 260 Brass 26.4211 26.3307 0.0904 0.0004 0.0900 2.5809 12 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 260 Brass 26.6471 25.6695 0.9776 0.0004 0.9772 28.0233 16 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 260 Brass 26.4949 18.9759 7.5190 0.0004 7.5186 215.6118 20 CONTROL 260 Brass 26.4352 26.4348 0.0004 0.0004 PART II: CORROSION - METALS - OBSERVATIONS Test Material item Test Solution METALS Visual Obervations  1 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 316 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control  5 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 316 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control  9 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 316 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control 13 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 316 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control 17 CONTROL 316 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material  2 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 304 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control  6 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 304 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control 10 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 304 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control 14 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 304 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material like control 18 CONTROL 304 SS Smooth, shiny silver colored material  3 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 7075 Aluminum A slt. duller, slt. whiter than control, silver material  7 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 7075 Aluminum A very dull, smokey brown colored material 11 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 7075 Aluminum A dull, whitish gray colored material 15 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 7075 Aluminum A very dull, very whitish gray colored material 19 CONTROL 7075 Aluminum A slt. dull, silver colored material  4 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered 260 Brass A mixture of dull gold & pink area colored material  8 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered 260 Brass A dull, gold colored material with patches of pink 12 (C) 500 ppm POAA only 260 Brass A darker dull gold colored material with pink areas 16 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only 260 Brass A sparkling grainy gold colored material 20 CONTROL 260 Brass A smooth, shiny, gold colored material KX-6091 CORROSION STUDY CALCULATION DATA 4 Metals DENSITY AREA in inches squared  316 Stainless Steel 7.98 6.5  304 Stainless Steel; 7.94 6.4 7075 Aluminum 2.81 6.8  260 Brass 8.5   6.52 Time & Temp Tested 14 days at 50° C. mpy = (534,000 * AWL)/(A * T * D)

[0038] PART III: CORROSION - PLASTICS Analytical - Observations KX-6091 CORROSION STUDY 14 day Compatibility Test of 15 different materials tested against four differnt Test Solutions at 50° C. with the test solutions are changed daily. % Initial Initial Initial Initial Final % Final % Final % Final Thick Test Test Material Wt. Ht. Width Thick Wt. Weight Ht. Height Width Width Thick Chang- item Solution PLASTICS (gms) (inches) (Inches) (inches) (gms) Change (inches) Change (inches) Change (inches) es 21 (A) 500 Polyurethane 3.8348 2.996 0.506 0.128 3.8360 0.0313 2.996 0.0000 0.507 0.1976 0.128 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 27 (B) 5000 Polyurethane 3.8379 2.996 0.502 0.129 3.8385 0.0156 2.998 0.0668 0.502 0.0000 0.128 −0.7752 ppm POAA/ Buffered 33 (C) 500 Polyurethane 3.8385 2.999 0.505 0.128 3.8418 0.0860 3.004 0.1567 0.505 −0.1976 0.127 −0.7813 ppm POAA only 39 (D) 5000 Polyurethane 3.8151 2.995 0.504 0.127 3.7411 −1.9397 3.061 2.2037 0.509 0.9921 0.125 −1.5748 ppm POAA only 45 CON- Polyurethane 3.8286 2.996 0.505 0.128 3.8200 −0.2248 2.993 −0.1001 0.504 −0.1980 0.128 0.0000 TROL 22 (A) 500 Polyethylene 1.3741 2.991 0.505 0.066 1.3736 −0.0364 2.991 0.0000 0.504 −0.1980 0.066 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 28 (B) 5000 Polyethylene 1.3676 2.991 0.505 0.064 1.3675 −0.0073 2.991 0.0000 0.505 0.0000 0.065 1.5625 ppm POAA/ Buffered 34 (C) 500 Polyethylene 1.3541 2.992 0.504 0.065 1.3541 0.0000 2.991 −0.0334 0.502 −0.3968 0.065 0.0000 ppm POAA only 40 (D) 5000 Polyethylene 1.3586 2.995 0.504 0.066 1.3593 0.0515 2.994 −0.0334 0.502 −0.3968 0.066 0.0000 ppm POAA only 46 CON- Polyethylene 1.3668 2.991 0.504 0.068 1.3667 −0.0073 2.989 −0.0669 0.504 0.0000 0.068 0.0000 TROL 23 (A) 500 Polypropylene 1.3792 3.002 0.504 0.066 1.3792 0.0000 3.001 −0.0333 0.503 −0.1984 0.067 1.5152 ppm POAA/ Buffered 29 (B) 5000 Polypropylene 1.3774 2.998 0.503 0.065 1.3775 0.0073 2.999 0.0334 0.503 0.0000 0.066 1.5385 ppm POAA/ Buffered 35 (C) 500 Polypropylene 1.3793 2.998 0.504 0.065 1.3796 0.0218 2.998 0.0000 0.503 −0.1984 0.065 0.0000 ppm POAA only Initial Initial Initial Initial Final % Final % Final Test Test Material Wt. Ht. Width Thick Wt. Weight Ht. Height Width item Solution PLASTICS (gms) (inches) (Inches) (inches) (gms) Change (inches) Change (inches) 0.0000 0.065 0.0000 47 CON- Polypropylene 1.3812 2.997 0.503 0.065 1.3811 −0.0072 2.997 0.0000 0.503 0.0000 0.065 0.0000 TROL 24 (A) 500 Polyvinyl 2.1801 3.002 0.505 0.066 2.1843 0.1927 3.002 0.0000 0.506 0.1980 0.065 −1.5152 ppm Chloride POAA/ Buffered 30 (B) 5000 Polyvinyl 2.2005 2.997 0.505 0.066 2.2041 0.1636 2.997 0.0000 0.506 0.1980 0.066 0.0000 ppm Chloride POAA/ Buffered 36 (C) 500 Polyvinyl 2.1734 2.998 0.505 0.065 2.1777 0.1978 2.998 0.0000 0.505 0.0000 0.065 0.0000 ppm Chloride POAA only 42 (D) 5000 Polyvinyl 2.1590 2.998 0.505 0.065 2.1625 0.1621 2.997 −0.0334 0.505 0.0000 0.065 0.0000 ppm Chloride POAA only 48 CON- Polyvinyl 2.2048 2.999 0.505 0.056 2.2037 −0.0499 2.998 −0.0333 0.505 0.0000 0.056 0.0000 TROL Chloride 25 (A) 500 ABS 1.4724 2.995 0.507 0.061 1.4762 0.2581 2.999 0.1336 0.508 0.1972 0.061 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 31 (B) 5000 ABS 1.5167 3.003 0.507 0.063 1.5201 0.2242 3.006 0.0999 0.506 −0.1972 0.063 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 37 (C) 500 ABS 1.5082 3.000 0.507 0.062 1.5132 0.3315 3.004 0.1333 0.508 0.1972 0.062 0.0000 ppm POAA only 43 (D) 5000 ABS 1.4971 2.995 0.505 0.062 1.5047 0.5076 3.000 0.1669 0.510 0.9901 0.062 0.0000 ppm POAA only 49 CON- ABS 1.4822 2.995 0.507 0.062 1.4813 −0.0607 2.995 0.0000 0.508 0.1972 0.062 0.0000 TROL 26 (A) 500 Polyacetal 4.4596 3.003 0.507 0.133 4.5033 0.9799 3.010 0.2331 0.508 0.1972 0.134 0.7519 ppm POAA/ Buffered 32 (B) 5000 Polyacetal 4.3970 3.003 0.507 0.131 4.4302 0.7551 3.009 0.1998 0.507 0.0000 0.132 0.7634 ppm POAA/ Buffered 38 (C) 500 Polyacetal 4.4967 3.004 0.506 0.134 4.5441 1.0092 3.014 0.3329 0.508 0.3953 0.135 0.7463 ppm POAA only 44 (D) 5000 Polyacetal 4.3832 3.003 0.507 0.131 4.4264 0.9856 3.012 0.2997 0.508 0.1972 0.132 0.7634 ppm POAA only 50 CON- Polyacetal 4.4498 3.002 0.506 0.133 4.4454 −0.0989 3.000 −0.0666 0.506 0.0000 0.133 0.0000 TROL Test Material item Test Solution PLASTICS Visual Observations 21 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyurethane Dull opaque orange material with semi-transparent boarder 27 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyurethane Dull opaque orange material with semi-transparent boarder and slt. tacky 33 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Polyurethane Dull darker opaque orange material with semi-transparent boarder and slt. tacky 39 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Polyurethane Very dark orange, very tacky, completely opaque material that stuck to drying surface resulting in loss of material 45 CONTROL Polyurethane A dull, dirty, slt. yellow tinted, semi-transparent material 22 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyethylene Slt. whiter material than control 28 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyethylene Slt. whiter material than control 34 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Polyethylene Slt. whiter material than control 40 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Polyethylene Slt. whiter material than control 46 CONTROL Polyethylene A dull, grayish white material 23 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Polypropylene A white filmy, faintly transparent, more cloudy material than control 29 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Polypropylene A white filmy, faintly transparent, more cloudy material than control 35 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Polypropylene A white heavy filmed, faintly transparent, more cloudy material than control 41 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Polypropylene A white filmy, faintly transparent, more cloudy material than control 47 CONTROL Polypropylene A dull gray, semi-transparent material 24 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyvinyl Slt. less shiny and slt. less dark gray material than control Chloride 36 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Polyvinyl A dull med. gray material Chloride 42 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Polyvinyl A dull light to medium gray material Chloride 48 CONTROL Polyvinyl A dark, shiny gray material Chloride 25 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered ABS A slt. dull, whiter material than control 31 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered ABS A slt. dull, whiter material than control 37 (C) 500 ppm POAA only ABS A slt. dull, much whiter white material than control 43 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only ABS A slt. dull bright white material 49 CONTROL ABS A slt. dull, vanilla white material 26 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyacetal A dull, cleaner white appearance than control 32 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Polyacetal A dull, cleaner white appearance than control 38 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Polyacetal A dull, cleaner white appearance than control 44 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Polyacetal A dull, cleaner white appearance than control 50 CONTROL Polyacetal A dull, dirty white material

[0039] PART IV: CORROSION - RUBBERS Analytical - Observations KX-6091 CORROSION STUDY 14 day Compatibility Test of 15 different materials tested against four different Test Solutions at 50° C. with the test solutions are changed daily. Initial Initial Initial Initial Final % Final % Final % Final % Test Material Wt. Ht. Width thick Wt. Weight Ht. Height Width Width Thick Thick item Test Solution RUBBERS (gms) (inches) (inches) (inches) (gms) Change (inches) Change (inches) Change (inches) Change 51 (A) 500 ppm Silicon 14.2724 2.930 0.928 0.254 14.2553 −0.1198 2.930 0.0000 0.933 0.5388 0.254 0.0000 POAA/ Buffered 56 (B) 5000 Silicone 15.5707 2.999 1.007 0.249 15.5665 −0.0270 2.995 −0.1334 1.008 0.0993 0.249 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 61 (C) 500 ppm Silicone 15.6958 3.013 0.995 0.252 15.7755 0.5078 3.019 0.1991 1.004 0.9045 0.252 0.0000 POAA only 66 (D) 5000 Silicone 15.1443 2.977 0.994 0.246 15.3760 1.5299 3.003 0.6734 1.005 1.1066 0.249 1.2195 ppm POAA only 71 CONTROL Silicone 15.6702 2.970 1.001 0.253 15.6417 −0.1819 2.970 0.0000 1.013 1.1988 0.254 0.3953 52 (A) 500 ppm Butyl 1.9074 2.999 0.507 0.069 1.9852 4.0789 3.008 0.3001 0.507 0.0000 0.071 2.8986 POAA/ Buffered 57 (B) 5000 Butyl 1.9082 2.999 0.505 0.069 1.9263 0.9485 3.008 0.3001 0.505 0.0000 0.069 0.0000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 62 (C) 500 ppm Butyl 1.9026 2.996 0.505 0.068 2.0729 8.9509 3.017 0.7009 0.513 1.5842 0.075 10.2941 POAA only 67 (D) 5000 Butyl 1.9097 2.998 0.507 0.069 2.2216 16.3324 3.029 1.0340 0.494 −2.5841 0.078 13.0435 ppm POAA only 72 CONTROL Butyl 1.9001 2.998 0.507 0.069 1.8939 −0.3263 2.998 −0.0867 0.504 −0.5917 0.069 0.0000 53 (A) 500 ppm Vison 23.3725 3.057 1.031 0.248 23.4407 0.2918 3.071 0.4580 1.033 0.1940 0.248 0.0000 POAA/ Buffered 58 (B) 5000 Vison 21.3847 2.984 1.014 0.237 21.4843 0.5598 2.998 0.4692 1.025 1.0848 0.238 0.4219 ppm POAA/ Buffered 68 (D) 5000 Vison 22.4157 2.964 1.012 0.251 23.7728 6.0542 3.064 3.3738 1.053 4.0514 0.260 3.5857 ppm POAA only 73 CONTROL Vison 22.0694 2.988 1.012 0.244 22.0584 −0.0498 2.991 0.1004 1.012 0.0000 0.244 0.0000 54 (A) 500 ppm EPDM 17.0399 3.042 1.005 0.277 17.1763 0.8005 3.053 0.3616 1.009 0.3980 0.285 2.8881 POAA/ Buffered 59 (B) 5000 EPDM 16.9577 3.033 1.006 0.278 17.2265 1.5851 3.036 0.0989 1.012 0.5964 0.285 2.5180 ppm POAA/ Buffered 64 (C) 500 ppm EPDM 16.9824 3.059 1.015 0.275 16.9653 −0.1007 3.068 0.2942 1.012 −0.2956 0.282 2.5455 POAA only 69 (D) 5000 EPDM 17.4875 2.985 1.072 0.274 17.9757 2.7917 3.020 1.1725 1.079 0.6530 0.284 3.6496 ppm POAA only 74 CONTROL EPDM 16.7254 2.964 1.016 0.278 16.6918 −0.2009 2.959 −0.1687 1.015 −0.0984 0.278 0.0000 55 (A) 500 ppm BUNA N 15.8678 2.960 1.006 0.242 16.3169 2.8303 2.970 0.3378 1.012 0.5964 0.247 2.0661 POAA/ Buffered 80 (B) 5000 BUNA N 15.9576 2.980 1.020 0.240 16.4275 2.9447 2.989 0.3020 1.019 −0.0980 0.246 2.5000 ppm POAA/ Buffered 85 (C) 500 ppm BUNA N 16.2737 2.977 1.016 0.246 18.9478 4.1423 2.992 0.5039 1.024 0.7874 0.259 5.2846 POAA only 70 (D) 5000 BUNA N 15.8516 2.956 1.014 0.242 16.5043 4.1176 2.956 0.0000 1.029 1.4793 0.264 9.0909 ppm POAA only 75 CONTROL BUNA N 16.0735 2.936 1.107 0.247 16.0328 −0.2532 2.937 0.0341 1.014 −0.2950 0.247 0.0000 Test Material item Test Solution RUBBERS Visual Observations 51 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Silicone A dull, med. - dark orange material similar to control 56 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Silicone A dull, med. - dark orange material similar to Control 61 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Silicone A dull, med. - dark orange material similar to Control 66 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Silicone A dull, med. - dark orange material similar to Control 71 CONTROL Silicone A dull, med. - dark orange material 52 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Butyl A dull black material with slt. tacky, slt. rough surface that stuck to drying surface resulting in loss of material 57 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Butyl A dull black material with very slt. tacky, smooth surface 62 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Butyl A black material with tacky, dull, rough surface that stuck to drying surface resulting in loss of material 67 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Butyl A dull black material with very tacky, very rough, surface that stuck to drying surface resulting in loss of material 53 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered Vison A dull, charcoal black material with smooth surface 58 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered Vison A dull, charcoal black material with smooth surface 63 (C) 500 ppm POAA only Vison A dull, charcoal black material with slt. rough surface 68 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only Vison A dull, charcoal black material with slt. rough surface 73 CONTROL Vison A dull, charcoal black material with smooth surface 54 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered EPDM A dull, black material with slt. rough surface 59 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered EPDM A dull, black material with slt. blistered surface 64 (C) 500 ppm POAA only EPDM A dull, black material with slt. rough surface 69 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only EPDM A dull black material with slt. rough surface containing a large blister 74 CONTROL EPDM A dull, black material with smooth surface 55 (A) 500 ppm POAA/Buffered BUNA N A dull, (darker than control) black material with slt. rough surface 60 (B) 5000 ppm POAA/Buffered BUNA N A dark black material with very slt. shiny, fairly smooth surface 65 (C) 500 ppm POAA only BUNA N A dark black material with very slt. shiny, slt. blistered surface 70 (D) 5000 ppm POAA only BUNA N A dark black material with very slt. shiny, blistered surface 75 CONTROL BUNA N A dull, grayish black material with smooth surface

[0040] I. Tuberculocidal Efficacy—US Method

[0041] The peracetic acid product was tested against Mycobacterium bovis (bCG) using the AOAC Confirmatory Test with product concentrations as listed below. The product was diluted in buffer to achieve the pH 6 prior to test. The diluent tested was either tap or distilled water. Test exposure time was 10 minutes. A result of ten no growth tubes per ten tubes tested is required for a passing result Conclusion: successful tuberculocidal results were achieved at product concentrations as low as 1000 ppm POAA. Number of no growth tubes/ Product Concentration^(a) number of tubes tested^(b) 1000 ppm POAA 10/10 - pass 2000 ppm POAA 10/10 - pass 3000 ppm POAA 10/10 - pass 4000 ppm POAA 10/10 - pass 5000 ppm POAA 10/10 - pass

[0042] II. Suspension Test—Olympus Method

[0043] We have completed the suspension test as requested with the Olympus procedure versus Bacillus subtilis. The product was diluted in buffer to achieve the pH 6 prior to test The diluent tested was tap water. Test exposure times are listed below. The data are represented as log reduction of bacterial numbers. Note: the spores were counted after the heat shock treatment, although the test was conducted on a non-heat treated bacterial suspension. Conclusion significant log reductions in microbial numbers were achieved within 10 minutes using 500 ppm POAA. Additional product concentration or exposure time did not increase the efficacy of the product. Bacillus subtilis Log Reduction at 20° C. (ppm POAA) 1500 ppm 2000 ppm Exposure time (Henkel-Ecolab (Ecolab test (minutes) 250 ppm 500 ppm 1000 ppm test only) only)  5 minutes 4.55 6.13 9.48 7.70 9.78 10 minutes 7.98 9.78 9.78 7.68 9.78 20 minutes 9.48 9.78 9.78 7.71 9.78 60 minutes 9.48 9.78 9.78 7.74 9.78 Neutralization control  0.10^(A) Total Inoculum 3.4 × 10⁵ cfu/ml 6.0 × 10⁹ cfu/ml Spore Inoculum 9.0 × 10⁶ cfu/ml 3.3 × 10⁵ cfu/ml

[0044] III. Carrier Test—Olympus Method

[0045] We have completed the carrier test as requested using the Olympus procedure versus Bacillus subtilis and Mycobacterium terrae. The product was diluted in buffer to achieve the pH 6 prior to test. The diluent tested was tap water. Test exposure times are listed below. Note: the spores were counted after the heat shock treatment, although the test was conducted on a non-heat treated bacterial suspensions. Conclusion: successful results achieved using 250 ppm POAA within five minutes exposure against both subtilis and Mycobacterium terrae. Additional product concentration or exposure time did not increase the efficacy of the product. 250 ppm 1000 ppm 2500 ppm 5000 ppm Exposure time CARRIER^(A) CARRIER CARRIER CARRIER (minutes) RESULTS A^(B) B^(C) RESULTS A B RESULTS A B RESULTS A B Bacillus subtilis at 20° C. (ppm POAA)  0 minutes 0/2 2.3 × 10⁴ 1.9 × 10⁴  5 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 10 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 20 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 60 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 Mycobacterium terrae at 20° C. (ppm POAA)  0 minutes 0/2 3.2 × 10⁴ 2.1 × 10⁴  5 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 10 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 20 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 60 minutes 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1 2/2 <1 <1

[0046] IV. Sporicidal Efficacy—US Method

[0047] The peracetic add product was tested against Clostridium sporogenes using the AOAC Spodcidal Activity of Disinfectants Test with product concentrations as listed below. The product was diluted in buffer to achieve the pH 6 prior to test The diluent tested was tap water. Test exposure time was 3, 4 or 6 hours. A result of twenty no growth tubes per twenty tubes tested is required for a passing result. Conclusion: successful results were achieved at 5000 ppm POAA with an exposure time of 6 hours. Number of no growth tubes/ Product Exposure number of tubes tested^(b) Concentration^(a) Time Primary Subculture Secondary Subculture 4000 ppm 3 hours 20/20  0/20 POAA 4 hours 20/20  1/20 6 hours 19/20 20/20 5000 ppm 3 hours 19/20  6/20 POAA 4 hours 20/20 17/20 6 hours 20/20 20/20 7000 ppm 3 hours 20/20 10/20 POAA 4 hours 20/20 11/20 6 hours 20/20 20/20

[0048] Objective:

[0049] The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid concentration on the sporicidal efficacy of 150 ppm peracetic acid at 40° C.

[0050] Test Method:

[0051] Ecolab Microbiological Services SOP CB02104; Rate of Kill Antimicrobial Efficacy. Following exposure to the formula and subsequent neutralization, spores were heat shocked for 13 minutes at 80° C. before plating.

[0052] Method Parameters: Chemical Properties of Each Test Formula Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Formula ppm POAA ppm H₂O₂ ppm Acetic Acid pH A 150  31 159 3.75 B 150  31 309 3.67 C 150 275 159 3.75 D 150 275 309 3.68 E 150 529 159 3.77 F 150 529 309 3.68 #sheet attached to this report for preparation information. Since chemical analyses of solutions prepared exactly like those prepared for this study were done previously, and concentrations were found to be accurate, additional #chemical analysis for this study was not perfomed (see MSR #960351, J. Hilgren).

[0053] Results: Inoculum Numbers Inoculum Test Replicate (CFU/mL) Average Organism 1 2 3 (CFU/mL) B. cereus Spores 30 × 10⁶ 26 × 10⁶ 26 × 10⁶ 2.7 × 10⁷ Reduction of B. cereus Spores at 40° C. Exposure Time Formula (hours) Survivors (CFU/mL) Log Reduction A 0.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 Low Acetic, 1.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 Low H₂O₂ 1.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 2.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 2.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 3.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 3.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 B 0.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 High Acetic, 1.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 Low H₂O₂ 1.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 2.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 2.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 3.0 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 3.5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.43 C 0.5   1.7 × 10⁷ 0.20 Low Acetic, 1.0   6.0 × 10⁶ 0.65 Medium H₂O₂ 1.5   2.5 × 10⁶ 1.03 2.0   9.0 × 10⁵ 1.48 2.5   2.1 × 10⁵ 2.11 3.0   6.0 × 10⁴ 2.65 3.5   1.5 × 10⁴ 3.26 D 0.5   1.5 × 10⁷ 0.26 High Acetic, 1.0   4.9 × 10⁶ 0.74 Medium H₂O₂ 1.5   2.2 × 10⁶ 1.09 2.0   4.6 × 10⁵ 1.77 2.5   1.2 × 10⁵ 2.35 3.0   3.1 × 10⁴ 2.94 3.5   1.1 × 10⁴ 3.39 E 0.5   1.5 × 10⁷ 0.26 Low Acetic, 1.0   5.1 × 10⁶ 0.72 High H₂O₂ 1.5   1.4 × 10⁶ 1.29 2.0   3.1 × 10⁵ 1.94 2.5   3.4 × 10⁴ 2.90 3.0   4.0 × 10³ 3.83 3.5   5.6 × 10² 4.68 F 0.5   1.4 × 10⁷ 0.29 High Acetic, 1.0   4.7 × 10⁶ 0.76 High H₂O₂ 1.5   1.7 × 10⁶ 1.20 2.0   4.3 × 10⁵ 1.80 2.5   3.3 × 10⁴ 2.91 3.0   5.0 × 10³ 3.73 3.5   8.1 × 10² 4.52

[0054]

CONCLUSIONS

[0055] The sporicidal activity of 150 ppm POAA at 40° C. against Bacillus cereus spores was most effective when in the presence of relatively low concentrations of H₂O₂ (≈30 ppm as in Formulas A and B). Reduced B. cereus sporicidal efficacy was observed using POAA with the medium and high concentrations of H₂O₂ (≈160 and 300 ppm as in Formulas C through F).

[0056] Objective:

[0057] The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid concentration on the sporicidal efficacy of 150 ppm peracetic acid at 60° C.

[0058] Test Method:

[0059] Ecolab Microbiological Services SOP CB02104; Rate of Kill Antimicrobial Efficacy. Following exposure to the formula and subsequent neutralization, spores were heat shocked for 13 minutes at 80° C. before plating.

[0060] Method Parameters: Analytical Chemistry Results - A&P Methods 9403201, 9600300 Formula Properties (≈ 2 Hours Post Preparation/After 40 min. at 60° C.) Formula ppm POAA ppm H₂O₂ ppm Acetic Acid pH A 147/144 31/33 174/166 3.76/3.67 B 145/144 33/37 346/346 3.71/3.55 C 151/148 277/281 141/143 3.79/3.69 D 151/151 283/280 301/291 3.70/3.60 E 157/154 526/514 136/148 3.81/3.71 F 160/159  533/240* 293/324 3.71/3.62 #sheet attached to this report for theoretical concentrations and preparation information.

[0061] Inoculum Numbers Inoculum Test Replicate (CFU/mL) Average Organism 1 2 3 (CFU/mL) B. cereus Spores 28 × 10⁶ 22 × 10⁶ 29 × 10⁶ 2.6 × 10⁷

[0062] Reduction of B. cereus Spores at 60° C. Exposure Time Formula (min.) Survivors (CFU/mL) Log Reduction A 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 Low Acetic, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 Low H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 B 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 High Acetic, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 Low H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 C 10   4.1 × 10⁴ 2.80 Low Acetic, 15   2.0 × 10² 5.11 Medium H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 D 10   2.6 × 10⁴ 3.00 High Acetic, 15   7.0 × 10¹ 5.57 Medium H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 E 10   2.4 × 10⁴ 3.03 Low Acetic, 15   2.4 × 10² 5.03 High H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 F 10   1.1 × 10⁴ 3.37 High Acetic, 15   7.0 × 10¹ 5.57 High H₂O₂ 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41 40 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.41

[0063]

CONCLUSIONS

[0064] The sporicidal activity of 150 ppm POAA at 60° C. against Bacillus cereus spores was most effective when in the presence of relatively low concentrations of H₂O₂ (a 30 ppm as in Formulas A and B). A decrease in B. cereus sporicidal efficacy was observed using the medium and high concentrations of H₂O₂ (a 160 and 300 ppm as in Formulas C through F).

[0065] Further testing using Formulas A-F will be conducted at 20° C. to determine the effect of H₂O₂ and acetic acid concentration on sporicidal efficacy of POAA at low temperature.

[0066] Objective:

[0067] The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxides octanoic acid and peroctanoic acid concentration on the sporicidal efficacy of 150 ppm peracetic acid at 40° C.

[0068] Test Method: Ecolab Microbiological Services SOP CB02104; Rate of Kill Antimicrobial Efficacy. Following exposure to the formula and subsequent neutralization, spores were heat shocked for 13 minutes at 80° C. before plating. Method Parameters: Chemical Properties of Each Test Formula Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Formula ppm POAA ppm H₂O₂ ppm AA ppm POOA ppm OA pH 1 149 36 282 12 39 3.65 2 149 529 282 12 39 3.62 3 149 36 282 50 39 3.64 4 149 529 282 50 39 3.63 5 149 36 282 12 138 3.64 6 149 529 282 12 138 3.63 7 149 36 282 50 138 3.64 8 149 529 282 50 138 3.65 # Prior to this study, chemical analyses of formulas exactly like those used for this study were conducted to determine if ingredient concentrations were close to theoretical and if they were stable over the duration of the efficacy test. Results showed ingredient concentrations to correlate with theoretical and to be stable.

[0069] Inoculum Numbers Inoculum Test Replicate (CFU/mL) Average Organism 1 2 3 (CFU/mL) B. cereus Spores 56 × 10⁶ 42 × 10⁶ 35 × 10⁶ 4.4 × 10⁷ Reduction of B. cereus Spores at 40° C. Exposure Time Formula (minutes) Survivors (CFU/mL) Log Reduction 1 5   3.0 × 10¹ 6.17 Low H₂O₂, 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low POOA, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low OA 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 2 5   6.4 × 10⁶ 0.84 High H₂O₂, 10   4.3 × 10⁶ 1.01 Low POOA, 15   1.8 × 10⁶ 1.39 Low OA 20   4.0 × 10⁵ 2.04 25   1.2 × 10⁵ 2.56 30   8.1 × 10⁴ 2.73 3 5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low H₂O₂, 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 High POOA, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low OA 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 4 5   3.4 × 10⁵ 2.11 High H₂O₂, 10   1.6 × 10⁴ 3.44 High POOA, 15   1.9 × 10³ 4.36 Low OA 20   3.0 × 10¹ 6.17 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 5 5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low H₂O₂, 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low POOA, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 High OA 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 6 5   4.4 × 10⁶ 1.00 High H₂O₂, 10   4.1 × 10⁵ 2.03 Low POOA, 15   7.7 × 10⁴ 2.76 High OA 20   5.3 × 10⁴ 2.92 25   1.4 × 10⁴ 3.50 30   5.8 × 10³ 3.88 7 5 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 Low H₂O₂, 10 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 High POOA, 15 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 High OA 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 8 5   1.2 × 10⁵ 2.56 High H₂O₂, 10   2.0 × 10³ 4.34 High POOA, 15   4.0 × 10¹ 6.04 High OA 20 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 25 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64 30 <1.0 × 10¹ >6.64

CONCLUSIONS

[0070] Effect of H₂O₂:

[0071] The sporicidal activity of 150 ppm POAA at 400C against Bacillus cereus spores was most effective when in the presence of relatively low concentrations of H₂O₂ (=36 ppm as in Formulas 1, 3, 5 and 7). Reduced B. cereus sporicidal efficacy was observed using POAA with the higher concentrations of H₂O₂ (=529 ppm as in Formulas 2, 4, 6 and 8).

[0072] Effects of Octanoic and Peroctanoic Acid:

[0073] The sporicidal activity of 150 ppm POAA at 40° C. against Bacillus cereus spores increased when the concentrations of octanoic or peroetanoic acid increased. This phenomenon was clearly evident in formulas containing the high concentrations of H₂O₂ (formulas 2, 4, 6 and 8).

[0074] On a weight basis, peroctanoic acid had a greater effect on the sporicidal efficacy of 150 ppm POAA against B. cereus than octanoic acid. An increase of 38 ppm POOA resulted in a greater log reduction of B. cereus spores than an increase of 99 ppm octanoic acid. An additive effect was observed when POOA and octanoic acid were combined. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method of sterilizing an article comprising mixing a first and a second solution to form a sterilizing solution comprising an aqueous solution of a peroxy acid, said first solution comprising a carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and water, and said second solution comprising a buffering agent for pH between about 5 and 7, said sterilizing solution comprising at least 100 parts per million of peroxy acid at a pH of 5 to 7, immersing said article in said sterilizing solution for at least 5 minutes to sterilize said article.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said solution also comprises a catalytic amount of a catalyst for peroxidation of said carboxylic acid by said hydrogen peroxide.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said sterilizing solution has no effective amount of an organic copper or brass corrosion inhibiting compounds therein.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said buffering agent comprises phosphate ion.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said buffering agent comprises trisodium phosphate.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said peroxy acid comprises a peroxy acid of at least one C1 to C12 carboxylic acid.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said peroxy acid comprises a peroxy acid of at least one C1 to C8 carboxylic acid.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said sterilization solution comprises 1000 to 5000 parts per million of at least one peroxy acid.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein said peroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of performic acid, peracetic acid, perpropionic acid, perbutanoic acid, perpentanoic acid, perhexanoic acid, perheptanoic acid, peroctanoic acid, pemonanoic acid, perundecanoic acid, and perdecanoic acid.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein said peroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of peracetic acid, performic acid, perpropionic acid, perbutanoic acid, perpentanoic acid, perhexanoic acid, perheptanoic acid, peroctanoic acid, pemonanoic acid, and perdecanoic acid.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein said peroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of performic acid, peracetic acid, perpropionic acid, perbutanoic acid, perpentanoic acid, perhexanoic acid, perheptanoic acid, peroctanoic acid, pernonanoic acid, perundecanoic acid, and perdecanoic acid.
 12. The method of claims 2, 9 and 10 wherein said sterilizing solution has no effective amount of an organic copper or brass corrosion inhibiting compounds therein.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein said first solution also comprises a peroxycarboxylic acid.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein said buffering agent comprises acetic acid and sodium acetate.
 15. An aqueous sterilant solution having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid and 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent.
 16. An aqueous sterilant solution according to claim 15 having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid, 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst for peroxygenation of a carboxylic acid by hydrogen peroxide.
 17. An aqueous sterilant solution according to claim 15 consisting essentially of a solution having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid, 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst for peroxygenation of a carboxylic acid by hydrogen peroxide.
 18. An aqueous sterilant solution according to claim 15 consisting essentially of a solution having a pH of from 5.0 to 7.0 comprising from 100 to 10,000 parts per million of a peroxy acid, 30 to 5000 parts per million of buffering agent, a chelating agent for cations, and a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst for peroxygenation of a carboxylic acid by hydrogen peroxide.
 19. The method of claim 1 comprising mixing a first and a second solution to form a sterilizing solution comprising a peroxy acid, said first solution comprising a carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and water, and said second solution comprising a buffering agent for pH between about 5 and 7, said sterilizing solution comprising at least 100 parts per million of peroxy acid at a pH of 5 to 7, immersing said article in said sterilizing solution for at least 5 minutes to sterilize said article, said first solution and second solution being free of organic anti-corrosion agents for brass and/or copper, and said article comprising a medical article having parts made of at least two materials selected from the group consisting of metals, polymers and rubbers.
 20. The method of claim 1 wherein said carboxylic acid is at least one carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carboxylic acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, mono- and di-hydroxycarboxylic acids diacids, and peroxycarboxylic acids is present within said first solution.
 21. The method of claim 1 wherein said carboxylic acid is at least one carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of hydroxy acids and dicarboxylic acids. 